Yankees option Tyler Austin, others to Triple-A as final roster begins to take shape

The Yankees optioned Tyler Austin, Giovanny Gallegos, Ben Heller and Billy McKinney to Triple-A Scranton on Wednesday. That leaves Luis Cessa, Domingo German and Jonathan Holder as the three pitchers vying for the final roster spot.

Advertisement

Cessa and German are both starters, while Holder is a middle reliever. The Bombers don't have a traditional long man among Chad Green, Adam Warren, Aroldis Chapman, Chasen Shreve, Dellin Betances, Chad Green and Tommy Kahnle.

But they also may want to keep Cessa and German stretched out in case they require a starter due to injury. The decision means the Yankees will at least start the season with a three-man bench, featuring Austin Romine, Ronald Torreyes and one of Tyler Wade or Neil Walker.

Tyler Austin is one of four Yankees who were optioned to Triple-A Scranton on Wednesday. (Jonathan Dyer/USA TODAY Sports)

Torreyes will serve as the team's emergency catcher.

"He's a natural," Aaron Boone said after Torres, who is generously listed at 5-foot-8, caught a bullpen session. "He gives a nice, low target, that Bob Boone target."

INJURY UPDATES

Clint Frazier (concussion) continues to progress and see the neurologist daily. He did dry swings and tee work on Tuesday.

Clint Frazier (concussion) continues to progress and see the neurologist daily. (Andrew Savulich/New York Daily News)

Aaron Boone is hopeful that Frazier can begin baseball activities soon before eventually starting the 2018 campaign at Triple-A Scranton.

The plan is to ramp up Frazier's activity gradually and see how he responds. "Baby steps," Boone called it.

Jacoby Ellsbury (oblique) will get two at-bats and play four innings in center on Thursday against the Twins in Fort Myers. He will then get the day off on Friday before playing again on Saturday.

Tyler Wade actually found out he'd made the Yankees on Monday. (John Raoux/AP)

Ellsbury is not expected to be ready by Opening Day.

OF NOTE

Tyler Wade actually found out he'd made the Yankees on Monday. Aaron Boone told him in a morning meeting in the manager's office. Wade's first call was to his parents, who plan to attend the team's home-opener on April 2. ... Giancarlo Stanton is unlikely to appear in left during the Toronto series, according to Boone.